Milla Blazek – Graphic design – Based in Copenhagen

     




SIGN MADE FOR BISPEBJERG KIRKEGÅRD  


THE NEW TONE 
IN BISPEBJERG   




       


Bispebjerg Bakke is a neighborhood in Copenhagen that was previously considered a disadvantaged residential area. In line with the neighborhood revitalization efforts, this project offers a proposal for how the City of Copenhagen could approach the goal of making Bispebjerg Bakke "a green and attractive neighborhood... a place where people want to live" (Source: City of Copenhagen).

In our engagement with the neighborhood, we observed the social choreography of Bispebjerg and, through this, mapped out how public spaces are used and identified potential issues preventing the area from reaching its full potential. We particularly focused on the social choreography in the neighborhood's green spaces, especially Lersø Park, where despite sunny weather, there are not many people spending time in the park.

The entire project revolves around the concept of "tone of voice" and has been a lengthy process involving meticulous attention to detail, including the careful selection of each word. The signs only contain things one "may" and "can" do, as opposed to the current signage that emphasizes what is "not allowed" and what is "prohibited." In this way, the project and the power of words contribute to creating a welcoming, inviting, and positive atmosphere in the neighborhood.






THE FINAL
EXPRESSION 
The project aims to portray Bispebjerg Bakke as the "city within the city" that encompasses all the necessities of life - institutions, a hospital, housing, and green spaces. In Bispebjerg Bakke, life can unfold while the heartbeat of the city is just "around the corner." Therefore, we have branded Bispebjerg Bakke as the city's oasis - a small green haven in the midst of the city. We wanted to highlight and convey this narrative - we are not interested in turning Bispebjerg Bakke into the new Nørrebro or anything other than what it is. On the contrary, we simply want to point out and accentuate its existing qualities. 




BRICK AS 
A GRIB
The brick serves as a reference to the neighborhood's architectural heritage - the welfare architecture and the iconic yellow and red bricks, symbolizing craftsmanship. Furthermore, in a historical context, the brick alludes to Grundtvig's Church, which was constructed using bricks from the area. The choice of brick also highlights the neighborhood's rawness, which makes it truly unique.

The typographic structure of the logo and the layout of the signs are built upon a grid system that draws inspiration from bricks. This grid system disrupts the rhythm of the text and image in a poetic and somewhat brutal manner, creating its own rhythm that brings more attention to the words.



                                                                                                                









The photo was taken in Bispebjerg and depicts one of the signs that are part of the larger solution. This sign is intended to motivate and activate the neighborhood's public spaces and green areas.




Done in collaboration with Alice Pappila and Viola Krebbers. (2023)